Bus| Shelter: NC A&T

[concept]

Through application on the North Carolina A&T University campus, this bus shelter will offer patrons of the Greensboro Transit Authority the necessary amenities of a comfortable bus shelter, while serving to enhance the architecture of its proximate locale. It is vital that the product be a considerate statement, while presenting the area with an engaging and beautiful form. Due to its location directly in front of the Saint John’s Lodge on Market Street, the structure must avoid overpowering or inhibiting the building’s facade. The design of the new shelter should compliment and accent the building with natural ease. Consideration must be taken in choosing materials, as they should be both consistent with those of neighboring structures and be of the sustainable variety. The surrounding structures are predominantly brick and concrete with a heavy emphasis on linear and geometrical forms. The design of the bus shelter should maintain these shapes and but vary slightly in their application and manipulation for the purpose of interest. The finished artifact must be easily identifiable as a bus shelter, and should be user-friendly and universal.


[location]

North Carolina A&T University

[site]

Plot on Market St. in front of Saint John's Lodge:
Outer Edge of NC A&T

[context:]

Surrounding Structures

[materials]

Recycled Plastic Lumber

Recycled plastic lumber is a sustainable alternative to wood and is ideal for outdoor structures. Because of its material make-up, it is long lasting and extremely durable. Unlike wood, it is non-porous and therefore moisture resistant. It does not split or crack and is impervious to insects. While it can be painted, lumber is produced with color throughout and does not require regular sealing or maintenance. RPL cleans easily and is therefore ideal for public structures in danger of graffiti. Recycled plastic lumber also contributes to waste reduction in landfills, prevents unnecessary logging, and eliminates the need for hazardous wood treatment. The initial cost of RPL is slightly more than that of natural wood, but over time proves to be a much better value.

Brick

One of the oldest building materials in production, brick also remains one of the best sustainable options. The clay used to produce bricks is readily available and renewable, enabling companies to produce bricks locally. The production of bricks is virtually free of negative by products. Similar to recycled plastic lumber, bricks are extremely durable and long lasting. They are also reusable, maintaining their strength and performance. Bricks are excellent for exterior instillations and are naturally resistant to the elements.

Information and images courtesy of Trex, germes-online.com, and CIWMB



[in detail]

[bus | shelter]



[the next step]

The following letter is one which I have submitted to such offices as the Greensboro Planning Division, Engineering and Inspections, and Transportation Department. It is our group's communal goal design a functional shelter to make a difference in the community.


To Whom it may concern:

Second year students of the UNCG Interior Architecture program have been diligently working to redesign the conventional bus shelter. Through a great deal of research, we have developed improved, functional designs that are capable of implementation in a very usable capacity. We recently designed a shelter with a location at NC A&T in mind. The existing bus stop is on Market Street in front of the Saint John's Lodge and consists of two benches and a trash can. We have completed thorough structure and material investigations in hopes that we could produce a covered shelter for this location. Would it be possible for our design school to take-on such an endeavor? We feel that this would be an excellent opportunity to unite UNCG and NC A&T, demonstrate the work of UNCG Interior Architecture students, and, above all, make a significant contribution the community. Please feel free to view our designs following links to students' blogs at http://communitybydesign.blogspot.com. We are more than happy to address any questions or address any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact me, Anna Will, at akwill@uncg.edu. We greatly appreciate your time and interest in our work!

Sincerely,

Anna Will
http://lifesketch-anna.blogspot.com/
akwill@uncg.edu